By: Daniel Daniel
Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has thrown his weight behind Labour Party’s Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence in Obi's potential to defeat incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Bashir described Obi’s growing popularity and youth-driven momentum as a formidable political force. While acknowledging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a major contender, he suggested that Obi poses the greatest threat to Tinubu's re-election bid.
“Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour,” Bashir wrote. “And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment-meets-the-man’ instances.”
Bashir highlighted Peter Obi’s widespread appeal among young Nigerians, characterizing it as “cult-like followership” and a major shift in the nation’s political dynamics. He remarked that Obi’s influence across the youth demographic is one of his strongest assets going into the election.
“The sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult-like followership brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth and this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage,” he stated.
He further suggested that should Obi emerge as the opposition coalition’s consensus candidate with a strong Northern running mate, he would likely defeat President Tinubu. whom he mockingly referred to as “Pablo”, even before First Lady Remi Tinubu “finishes her breakfast.”
The remarks have generated widespread reactions online, as political discourse continues to heat up in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
